Cincinnati's 2017 Property Tax Rate Could Be Decided Wednesday

Cincinnati Council is expected to take action Wednesday on the city’s 2017 property tax rate. But what the group will approve is still being debated.

Mayor John Cranley is now proposing the city collect $28.9 million in property tax revenue. The Hamilton County Auditor’s office would calculate the tax rate to do that. That is the same amount the city is projected to collect this year, although it could be slightly higher.

Cranley vetoed a plan Friday setting the property tax rate at 5.6 mills, which would bring in about $29.3 million. Cranley said that measure violates the roll back policy in which city council adjusts the property tax rate to keep the amount of revenue collected steady.

Council could go with Cranley’s latest plan or attempt to override his veto. A veto override would require the votes of six council members.

The Budget and Finance Committee holds a special meeting Wednesday at noon to discuss the issue. The full Council will meet at 2 p.m.

Cincinnati Council has finalized the city's property tax rate for 2017, but the measure could be subject to a mayoral veto.

Council voted 6-3 for a 5.6 mill rate . That will generate about $29.3 million or about $400,000 more than this year. Voting yes: Flynn, Mann, Seelbach, Simpson, Sittenfeld, and Young. Voting no: Murray, Smitherman and Winburn.

Cincinnati's property tax rates for 2017 will remain the same as the rates for 2016.

A council committee approved the issue Monday and a full Council vote will likely come Wednesday. The property tax rate for general operating expenses will remain at 5.6 mills, and the rate for debt service is 6.5 mills.